One-Sided, Dual-Frequency Stethoscope Diaphragm

3M™ Littmann® Stethoscopes are renowned worldwide for unsurpassed quality, performance and innovative design. One of our most unique innovations is the Tunable Technology we’ve added to the stethoscope diaphragm.

How Tunable Technology Works
Our tunable, or dual-frequency, stethoscope diaphragms combine the bell (for low frequencies) and the diaphragm (for high frequencies) into a single side of the chestpiece. Move between bell and diaphragm modes by simply varying the pressure applied to the patient—there’s no need to turn the chestpiece over.

Using Bell Mode (for low frequencies)
For low-frequency sounds, rest the chestpiece lightly on the patient. When the diaphragm membrane is suspended, the membrane resonates low-frequency sounds.

Using Diaphragm Mode (for high frequencies)
For high-frequency sounds, use firm contact pressure on the chestpiece. By pressing on the chestpiece, the movement of the diaphragm membrane is restricted. This blocks (or attenuates) low-frequency sounds and allows you to hear higher frequency sounds.

See Tunable Technology in Action!
Check out the dual-frequency stethoscope diaphragms of these Littmann stethoscopes: